FRESNO, CA. – Down 2-0 at halftime, the Fuego battle back against Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes. Playing in their first match of the 2010 campaign, the Fresno Fuego started the game versus the Earthquakes poised and simply organized. The Quakes created a few scoring chances but were limited due to a stingy Fuego defense and solid goalkeeping from Ryan Kenny. The new group of Fuego players found some rhythm and was showing positive signs for the future as they were not star struck by their MLS opponent.
It was in the 31st minute when the Quakes capitalized on a chance in the box that former US National Team member Bobby Convey buried into the back of the net. It was a controversial goal as the ball actually tore through the side netting of the goal, and went off the field of play looking as if Fuego had earned a goal kick. After a few moments the shot was determined a goal and the Quakes were up 1-0. Shortly after in the 38th minute the Quakes again found themselves on the better end of a shot by Cornell Glen which beat Kenny and deflected off of the post, right to the feet of midfielder Javier Robles who one-timed the ball into the Fuego goal. The half ended with the San Jose Earthquakes comfortably leading 2-0.
The players took the field in the second half to a crowd of 2500 Fuego fans who were anxious to cheer for the home team. The Earthquakes made some wholesale changes as they prepare to begin the start of their season and evaluate their personnel, amongst the new Quakes on the field was speedy midfielder Omar Jessey. In the 53rd minute Jessey received a pass from Joey Gjertsen where he split two Fuego defenders on the 18 yard box and slotted a shot into the far post past the Fuego keeper putting the Quakes up 3-0.
The Fresno Fuego also made some changes in the later stages of the game and it certainly made an impact as second half substitute Rodrigo Vianna Ferreira in his first time in a Fuego jersey took advantage of his opportunity in front of the Quakes goal and pounded a left footed shot into the roof of their net making the game 3-1, to the delight of the many Fuego fans. As the time was winding down and the game seemed out of reach the Fuego team trudged forward and were determined to make the most of their occasion against the MLS opponent. A couple more players who entered the match in the second half made an impact on the outcome of the game. Eighteen year old right back, Scott Binford blazed up the flank and was met by Quakes defender Aaron Pitchkolan as they both slid to win the ball. Binford got to his feet first and served a beautiful cross to Mihailo Jovanovic who met the ball at the top of the 6-yard box and headed a missile past Quakes goalkeeper Mike Gracyzk. The Fuego fans erupted into cheers and felt the sense of hope that the home side may come back to equalize their Major League opposition.
Unfortunately, time was not on there side as the final whistle blew shortly thereafter, with the final score Quakes- 3 and Fuego -2. On some levels a victory for Fuego, as they looked sharp facing the Major League side as they prepare themselves for the 2010 PDL season.
Join the Fuego next Saturday March 6, as they take on Chivas USA in the second match of their 2010 exhibition schedule. Chukchansi Park gates open at 6pm. For tickets call the Chukchansi Park Box Office at 555-320-TIXS or visit www.fresnofuego.com.
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